NPSL: Sockers name Clifford head coach

From staff reports

Published
9:47 pm CST, Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Sockers FC's Maxiliano Galizzi (7) takes the ball down the field against Dutch Lions FC in the second round of the NPSL playoffs July 11, 2018, at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Sockers FC's Maxiliano Galizzi (7) takes the ball down the field against Dutch Lions FC in the second round of the NPSL playoffs July 11, 2018, at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Sockers FC's Maxiliano Galizzi (7) takes the ball down the field against Dutch Lions FC in the second round of the NPSL playoffs July 11, 2018, at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Sockers FC's Maxiliano Galizzi (7) takes the ball down the field against Dutch Lions FC in the second round of the NPSL playoffs July 11, 2018, at Grande Communications Stadium. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

A familiar face and one of the architects of the club’s rise to national prominence will return to guide the Midland-Odessa Sockers FC in the 2019 National Premier Soccer League season. The Sockers Wednesday named Johnny Clifford the team’s new head coach.

Clifford takes over for Luis Rincon, who served as Sockers’ head coach for one season in 2018. Rincon’s reason for departure was not disclosed by the Sockers.

After an outstanding 2014 on the pitch as a defender, Clifford served as the Sockers’ assistant coach in 2015 and 2016, a span that saw the club advance to the national semifinals at that time in the Premier Development League.

The Glasgow, Scotland, native is also the head coach at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, where he guided the Rattlers to a 10-5-3 record -- the school’s best mark in 16 years -- in his first season.

Before becoming head coach at St. Mary’s, Clifford’s entire coaching career had been spent as an assistant under former Sockers head coach Matt Barnes, who led the team for four seasons (2014-17).

Clifford also served on coach Barnes’ staff at San Francisco State University (also in 2015-16) and at St. Mary’s (2016-17).

Sabas Ruiz, who coaches youth club soccer in West Texas, will serve as the Sockers’ second assistant coach.